Frequently Asked Questions :
1. Who can learn Tai Chi ?
Almost anyone! And age is not an issue. About 50% of our group from Jelapang RC are senior citizens. Some already live up to their 70s and still going strong! As long as you are physically sound, you are welcome to join in any Tai Chi groups from your local community centres, health clubs or gymnasiums. Some may have the misconception of learning Tai Chi in relation with Qigong (气功). Although Tai Chi is also a cultivation of Qi (an energies from within our body) in movement, its method and requirement are not as stringent. Unlike Tai Chi, Qigong development involved a series of fixed postures in its breathing techniques and may required full concentration or meditation during the process in order to achieve the aim of cultivating Qi energy. Trying to do it on your own may have an undesirable effect if without the proper guidance of a qualified Qigong master.
There are No Mental or Physical Obstruction in learning Tai Chi as its movement is slow and graceful and the pace of learning is gradual. Therefore, it is suitable for all ages to learn without much difficulties. So far, I have not come across in my years of Tai Chi exercise to hear anyone picking up any side effect from learning this trade.
2. What is the way to learning Tai Chi?
Ideally for a beginner, he should closely follows the instructions and demonstrations taught out from his Master/Teacher, observing and learning each movement and step as accurately as possible. In short term - 'Copying'. Copying is the fastest and best way to emulate the forms accurately from an experienced practitioner.
3. What are the benefits?
As with any other exercise or hobby, we will like to question about the benefits first before deciding to invest time and effort into it. Here is a list of benefits we can derive from the consistent practice of Tai Chi.
- Relieve Stress - Due to the fact that Tai Chi focuses on the process of breathing and the way in which one is moving, practicing it can become meditative. As such, regular practise can actually help to reduce stress and anxiety and may even assist in inducing better sleep at night.
- Ease Sore Joints and Tone Muscles - As a low impact exercise, less pressure is exerted on the joints during the practice as compared to other types of higher impact sports. This exercise system will benefit those who are currently suffering from arthritis or recovering from physical injuries.
- Build up strength and flexibility - Tai Chi helps to improve body awareness. For example, an elderly woman who practice Tai Chi consistently would find it easier to carry heavy loads because of subtle shifts in the way she used her body.
- An active and enjoyable lifestyle - It is often practiced in groups at local community centres, Resident Committee centres, gymnasium or health clubs which ultimately helps to promote social interaction that leads to a more active and enjoyable lifestyle.
4. How can I do well in Tai Chi?
During a break in between lessons, a junior approached me and asked : " Sixiong (senior), how can I do well in Tai Chi? '' Instinctively, I gave a quick glance of his body language and concluded my guess - that he was disappointed and discouraged. This same question reminded me of the same frustration I had during my earlier training phase. I returned him a smile and promptly replied : " Set your goal Realistically, be Patient and have a Determination to carry on learning." Having said that, his face lifted up immediately and thanked me for the advice, presumably I've hit the jackpot if this is what he had wanted to hear all along.
In fact, the underlying message to this common question is a frustration of not being able to achieve what has been expected from us - that is, a disappointment with ourselves in how less we have actually learned.
To do well in Tai Chi or any martial arts depends on many factors. Consider this:
Are your expectation realistic and to what level of expectation?
Are you trying to pitch equally with your master in terms of his skills level and techniques or do you expect to pitch against a tennis superstar after going through a four weeks tennis course? The main point is we have to access realistically about what we have achieved right now and learn to accept it given our experience, our fitness status and the amount of time and effort we have put in. That does not mean that we are not allowed to achieve a higher skill level as any master or teacher will be too happy to have such a student.
Any experienced practitioners will know the true value of being patient, of having a realistic expectation and an undaunted will power to learn in order to attain a higher level of achievement in his field.
5. When is the best times to practise?
The best times to practise Tai Chi sequence are early in the morning, preferably before sunrise. Beyond this period, heats from the rising sun may affects our concentration and mood. Tai Chi should be done in a calm and relaxing manner and concentration is vital in order to see its maximum health benefits. It has been a tradition to see groups of Tai Chi practitioners or individual in a park exercising this graceful art in the early hours as this is where the energies of Yang and Yin are considered to be in harmony. The abundance of fresh air will helps to regulate our mind and conditions our body system. Practise daily or at least twice a week will helps to reap the rewards in the long run. Tai Chi takes time to master and there are no short cuts to learning and achieving from its health benefits.
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| Yang And Yin Energy In Harmony |
The best times to practise Tai Chi sequence are early in the morning, preferably before sunrise. Beyond this period, heats from the rising sun may affects our concentration and mood. Tai Chi should be done in a calm and relaxing manner and concentration is vital in order to see its maximum health benefits. It has been a tradition to see groups of Tai Chi practitioners or individual in a park exercising this graceful art in the early hours as this is where the energies of Yang and Yin are considered to be in harmony. The abundance of fresh air will helps to regulate our mind and conditions our body system. Practise daily or at least twice a week will helps to reap the rewards in the long run. Tai Chi takes time to master and there are no short cuts to learning and achieving from its health benefits.
6. Where Can I practise?
At Home - If time does not permit and the nearest park or garden is a mile away, then the only choice to consider is right in your home. Unlike other sports, the advantage of Tai Chi is that it can be done indoor and does not require a large practice area to workout. Ensure that your practice area is well ventilated with windows opened, floor is cleaned and uncluttered with materials.
In a Park or Open Area - If possible, Tai Chi should be done in a natural habitats like a park, near a reservoir or area with water stream surrounded by trees and natural vegetation where an abundance of fresh air is easily available. Try to avoid noisy and air polluted area if possible.
I love to listen to the relaxing sound of water stream or the sight of a flowing water since young. It really helps to calm me down if you really appreciate it. Some dislike and considered it a noise. This is because they're in a bad mood and refuse to open up the door of natural cure to inner peace. Human is actually under nature and a part of nature. Why go against it?
